Como la revolucion

After more than a half-century, they are determined to work at it until it works;

Council of Ministers Vice President Marino Murillo Jorge presented the National Medications Program, which he recalled has been revised and renovated on several occasions over the last few years, although its fundamental purpose has been maintained: to guarantee the people’s health and limit the effects of the economic blockade imposed by the United States government, which has had a serious impact in the medical field.

Those damn Yanquis.

He clarified that the essential concept of the program has not changed, but that some elements have been modified. He explained that the policy is directed toward developing a comprehensive program based on the complete cycle of research, development and production, prioritizing the needs defined in the Basic Health Profile for the population and the appropriate use of medications. ....

From 2014 through 2017, he said, a digital system for the management and sales of medication will be implemented, along with improvements in the infrastructure and equipment needed by community pharmacies to comply with established norms and procedures.

Got it; postpone your illnesses.

He reported results from a diagnostic study which revealed a lack of comprehensive economic planning for the development and sustainability of natural and traditional medicine, since it has not been considered a priority. Noted were shortcomings in organization, training, equipment and resources necessary to production, use and distribution, as well as little support for producers who provide raw materials used to prepare alternative medicines.

Among other difficulties, Murillo pointed out that many natural products appearing on the national market are priced too high and that production is not planned based on an analysis of health needs in different provinces. There have been no market studies and local production centers often do not have the facilities or technology to ensure a quality product, he said. 

Just asking, What happened to the guys who had been in charge before?

How are things in the non-medical sectors?

Murillo Jorge reported that 41 cooperatives have emerged from former state-run operations, while 32 are the result of self-employed individuals coming together to work cooperatively. Among the basic characteristics of the new cooperatives are that they will operate in both national currencies, CUP and CUC; they were constituted with financial contributions from the associates; they will be requesting bank credit for start-up; and prices to be charged will be determined by supply and demand.

With the approval of this new group of cooperatives, Murillo added, the principal that the state will maintain ownership of the fundamental means of production is maintained. At the same time, the state is removing itself from activities which are not considered essential to the country’s basic development.

Maybe things would go more smoothly if the state removed itself from those things essential to the country's development. Might be worth a try. You know, see if the same thing that eventuated in Chile after Fidel's pal Salvador was given the old ochenta y seis, could help Cuba.